Iran ready to use oil in nuclear dispute: Agency

TEHRAN, Dec 26: Iran has repeated threats that it was ready to use its massive oil exports as a weapon to defend itself if it felt necessary in an international dispute over its atomic programme, the semi-official Fars news agency said today.

''If necessary, Iran will use any weapon to defend itself,'' said Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh.

The U N Security Council voted unanimously on Saturday to impose sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology, in an attempt to stop uranium enrichment work that could produce material to be used in bombs.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday those who backed the U N resolution, drawn up by Britain, France and Germany but supported unanimously by the Council, would soon regret their ''superficial act''.

Vaziri-Hamaneh urged European countries to prevent ''inappropriate'' decisions if they wanted Iran's oil to flow.

''There is no reason to worry as they have a role in decision making. They can prevent inappropriate decisions,'' he said.

Vaziri-Hamaneh has repeatedly said the world's fourth biggest crude producer would prefer not to play the oil card.

Eighty per cent of Iran's export earnings come from oil.

REUTERS